San José 2018: Venus in, Sharapova out
SAN JOSÉ, CA, USA - Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams has joined the star-studded roster that also includes sister Serena for the 2018 Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic in the tournament's first year at San José State University.
"We are very excited to have Venus join our player field," said tournament director Vickie Gunnasson. "She and Serena are tennis icons, and tremendous ambassadors for the sport. Having them both competing at the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic is truly special."
⚠️ We’re adding another phenomenal player to our already loaded player field. ⚠️@venuseswilliams is joining us in San Jose this summer!
Want to see Vee and other Grand Slam champions?
Get your tickets here: https://t.co/oLJTHkHNYn pic.twitter.com/OfZesWPCMk— Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic (@MubadalaSVC) July 17, 2018
As well as the Williams sisters, the San José player field also includes defending champion Madison Keys, two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka, 2016 champion Johanna Konta, two-time runner-up CoCo Vandeweghe and the return to action of Catherine Bellis, sidelined since Miami due to injury.
However, 2010 finalist Maria Sharapova withdrew due to a change in the former World No.1's schedule. "I am really sorry to have to miss the event in San Jose this year," said the Russian in a press release. "Unfortunately I have been forced to make some very tough decisions at this point in my career when it comes to my tournament schedule. I need to take care of my body and make sure I stay healthy. I look forward to coming to play next year."
Venus Williams is the most accomplished active player in the history of the tournament, formerly known as the Bank of the West Classic and held in Stanford. The American has reached the final eight times, lifting the trophy in 2000 and 2002 and finishing as runner-up in 1998, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2009 and 2016.